As the 2026 Colorado Legislative Session unfolds, one thing is already clear: despite early conversations about a nearly $1 billion projected budget shortfall, the pace and volume of legislation impacting Colorado employers has not slowed. If anything, the session is already off to a fast start. At the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, we are…
On Monday night, our Chamber joined community stakeholders, elected officials, and generations of agricultural producers for the unveiling of the newly released Economic Impact of Agriculture in Western Colorado. The room itself told a story before a single data point was shared. Producers whose families have worked the land for decades sat alongside policymakers, business…
The 2026 Colorado legislative session begins today, January 14th, launching 120 days of policy decisions that will directly affect employers, workers, and communities here in Mesa County. As lawmakers convene at the Colorado General Assembly, the business community is closely watching how this session will influence Colorado’s economic competitiveness and ability to protect and support…
As Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance program continues to evolve, Mesa County employers are adjusting to changes that affect workforce planning, payroll administration, and compliance responsibilities. As we move into 2026, there are several updates to the FAMLI program employers should be aware of, along with an anticipated federal change that has been delayed….
Invest in the Programs That Strengthen Our Community The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has opened up opportunities for sponsorship partners for several of our cornerstone programs that strengthen the Mesa County economy and empower our business community. Your support fuels initiatives that build a skilled workforce, amplify our voice in advocacy, and connect…
Last week, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce submitted formal comments on the Colorado Department of Transportation’s proposed 2050 Statewide Transportation Plan. For Western Colorado businesses, this plan is not just a roadmap for infrastructure—it is a roadmap for economic stability, competitiveness, and growth. Our comments made clear that the current funding model leaves…
Grand Junction, CO — The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (GJACC) has been awarded $99,994 through the Office of the Future of Work at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant program. GJACC is one of six organizations in Colorado to receive funding as a recognized Intermediary for Industry. This…
September marks Workforce Development Month, and at the Grand Junction Chamber, this is a time for us to reflect on the partnerships, programs, and people that prepare Mesa County for the future. Workforce development is more than just filling jobs; it’s building strong, sustainable connections between education, business, and community – ensuring that our region…
This past Wednesday, more than 100 industry leaders, energy employers, and end users gathered at the Grand Junction Convention Center for the Grand Junction Area Chamber’s annual Energy Summit. The day was marked by thoughtful dialogue, candid discussion, and a focus on the realities and opportunities that will shape Colorado’s energy future. Evan Walton, 2025…
Later this month, the Colorado General Assembly will reconvene for a special session. Governor Polis has called lawmakers back to address what his office describes as a budget crisis created by recent federal tax changes. According to the Governor, those changes will leave Colorado facing a $783 million shortfall this fiscal year. As a Chamber,…